RAJESH SHRINGARPURE, who plays Malhar Rao Holkar in SET’S Punyashlok Ahilya Bai, tells MUSBA HASHMI what is the character about, the responsibility that comes with such roles and the reason behind the never-ending craze for historical shows
Retelling the tales of history and mythology on TV is a pure delight both for the makers and the audience. No matter how many times one sees such stories, they still look as fresh and entertaining. Take for example Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, which even after so many years became one of the most watched series on TV during the lockdown or for that matter BR Chopra’s Mahabharat which was also topping the list.
One wonders what is it with such shows that they can never go out of trend. “Our soul lies there. We are able to connect with these stories and that’s the reason they are always on our watch lists. The other reason is that people get life lessons from them in an entertaining way. If we’ll preach them something, the audience immediately lose interest, but instead if we teach them in a fun way they will learn from it,” Rajesh Shringarpure, who plays Malhar Rao Holkar in SET’s Punyashlok Ahilya Bai, says.
The story, he says, is the 17th century period drama and is not about the chronicles or glory of Malhar Rao, but the rapport that he shared with his daughter-in-law, Ahilya Bai Holkar. “Malhar Rao is compassionate, endearing and he understands even the smallest of emotions of every one. He has been given the title of subedar by the Peshwas. He came from a humble and subdued family. He supports his daughter-in-law in all walks of her journey. The relationship that is shown here between the father-in-law and daughter-in-law is very unique,” he explains.
On what attracted Shringarpure to the show, he says, is of course the story itself. “It is a matter of pride for anyone to be a part of such inspiring stories. Also, the character itself is so strong. Not to mention, the progressive thoughts that the story has to offer, I was instantly attracted towards this role and the show,” he says.
There is always a learning lesson when is a part of historical shows, he adds. “People always tell you to forget the past and move on. But when we become a part of such stories, it is then we realise that we shouldn’t forget our past, roots, forefathers and what they did for us. It is because of them we are able to live a happy and independent life,” he says.
With such roles, he says, comes a lot of responsibility to do justice to the character. “When one plays a character who is praised like God by a society, there is a lot of things that one has to take care of. This is a huge character and there is a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. As an actor I need to execute it right. Since it is winters, the costume is not an issue. Come April, and then it will be a bit of hassle. Also, the body language and the mannerisms has to be spot-on. If he is with Ahilya, his tone will be different. He will talk to her like a man does to a girl. But, if he is with the other people, he will speak with authority. Fortunately, I have been blessed with a voice that can do justice to it, hence things get simpler,” he tells you.
Shringarpure adds that if one has understood the characteristics of the character that he plays, then there is not much to research about. “If you know the characteristics, visualise what you play and then just layer it up,” Shringarpure, who debuted with Param Vir Chakra, says. However, acting was never on his cards.
“In school and college, I was into dramatics but never thought that I will be in this line. I wanted to join the Defence forces and I was selected as a pilot in the Air Force, but during the medical I got rejected due to some reasons. I was worried what do to next and then I got to know that RK banner was presenting a film Param Vir Chakra. Initially, I was apprehensive and I didn’t feel like going to their studio. My friend insisted that I should give it a try. I went there and spoke formally with the director. The first thing about me that striked them was my voice. I didn’t tell them the reason of my visit and they told me that I should visit them more often. I took it very positively and made it a point to go there twice a week. But I couldn’t open my mouth in front of them, I thought that they should realise what I was there for. It went on for sometime.
One day, I got to know that they need an instructor to train the shortlisted candidates. A jawan came to teach them from Colaba and the director urged me that I should also join him and give commands to people. Then after a few days, a spot boy asked me why am I not playing the role in the film since I was trained enough. Then, the voting happened and everyone on the sets was in the favour of me getting the role. Fortunately, I got that project,” he tells you.